Exclusive interview ahead of the huge UKF 5th Birthday
Interview : Dan Prince
Mark – a massive welcome back to DMCWORLD…where in the world are you today?
“Thanks! I’m sitting in my dining room in London in front of my laptop.”
What a summer you have had, let’s kick off with your new tune ‘Dirty Love’ ft. Talay Riley. Please talk us through the history and sound of the track…
“‘Dirty Love’ has been a working progress for nearly a year. Talay is an amazing vocalist and writer and we work together a lot. He co-wrote the vocal for Afterglow with Becky. I’d been working on the ‘Dirty Love’ instrumental for a while, I wanted an R&B style vocal and he smashed it! It’s great to have some new material coming out.”
What can you tell us about ‘Pardon Me’ – the track you worked on with Naughty Boy, Professor Green, Laura Mvula and AVA LILY…it’s out in October right?
“This track is actually part of the Lynx ‘Make Peace Campaign’ that I was asked to get involved in at the start of the year. It’s been a real experience working with the guys and I think the final tune sounds really cool. Naughty Boy is releasing it as his next single in October.”
SW4 – the first time your parents have ever seen you perform – WOW! Tell us how it went…
“It was emotional! My mum cried through the first 20 minutes of my set. It was a big moment for my family and me, it was also the first time they met the team I have working around me, which was nice. I never thought I’d see my dad in the same photograph as Wretch 32!”
October of course sees the continuation of your Lazers Not Included Tour, six huge dates that includes the mighty UKF 5th Birthday at Building No. 6 in London alongside the likes of Camo & Krooked, TC, Kove and My Nu Leng. A highlight of the year for many, a big night huh?
“Yeah! I’m really looking forward to this, I’ve been developing the show for a while now and we’ve got so many guest vocalists lined up. And of course its London so I will be rolling deep with mates to celebrate!”
We were in the crowd at Reading a few weeks back, loving Wretch 32 joining you on stage. Rumours abound about a new track you have been working on?
“Yes we’ve been working together a lot recently and have written a tune for my album. It’s not quite finished but we thought we’d perform it anyway. He has to be the nicest, most humble guy I’ve met! Always been a fan of him so it’s great to be doing a tune with him.”
Who artist wise did you have a chance to check out that weekend in Reading and Leeds?
“To be honest it was a pretty hectic weekend and I consumed a lot of alcohol so don’t remember much! I checked out Gorgon City, Netsky, Dizee Rascal and Sinead Harnett she smashed it!”
What are the big 5 tunes in your box this weekend…
“Lots of new stuff I guess…”
Myself & I See Monstas – Surrender
TC – First Of The Year
Dub Motion – Azure
Metrik – Want My Love
Dirty Love ß nice bit of self promo
Tune of Summer 2014?
“It’s got to be Metrik – ‘Want My Love’. He’s such a talented producer and that tune sends shivers down my spine. I can’t wait for his album.”
Ibiza has had another crazy few months, how was Together down at Amnesia last night – it has been rammed all season…?
“It’s such a mad club! The gigs that I’ve played there have been mental. I played at a few clubs in Ibiza this summer but that’s definitely the one to play at. Reminds me of a giant Fabric.”
Steve Angello, Afrojack and Oakenfold were on Radio 1 a few weeks ago saying that the island is too VIP these days and that the white isle has lost all of it’s mystique. Thoughts on that?
“That’s deep. Yeah it’s pretty expensive in certain clubs, and they do have some ridiculous prices for VIP booths but I think that also draws people to the island. The drinks are expensive but it’s the same thing if you go to Vegas. This is the first year I’ve been to Ibiza so I can’t comment on it losing it’s mystique but in all honesty, with the fees they charge clubs have to sell VIP booths for 5 figures other wise they’d not make any money.”
Paris Hilton earning $200K a gig at Amnesia this summer. The world has gone crazy right?
“It’s all down to how many tickets she sells I guess? People have charged more for just doing personal appearances. At least she is actually DJing, all be it not that well lets give her a chance.”
SW4, Together and the UKF Birthday are all promoted by the Lock N Load crew. Are these the best event organisers in the UK right now?
“Lock N Load throw some great events. I’ve worked with them a lot this year and every gig has been a highlight for me.”
Who are some of the up and coming producers we should be looking out for in 2015…?
“Dub Motion, Karma, BMB Spacekid…”
And finally…what are the other tracks you’ve got up your sleeve that’s set to rock us later this year?
“Yes! Lot’s later this year and the whole of next year.”
Wilkinson headlines UKF’s 5th Birthday at Building #6 on Friday 10th October, joined by Camo & Krooked, TC, Kove, My Nu Leng and many more! Head over HERE for more info and tickets.
